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Currently Closed to Tourists

Jelep La Pass Guide — Why This Indo-China Border Pass is Closed & What to Visit Instead

Jelep La Pass at 14,390 ft is one of Sikkim's historic passes — but it remains closed to civilian tourists. Here's the current status, the history, and the nearest accessible alternatives.

Closed to Civilians14,390 ftEast SikkimMilitary Zone

Is Jelep La Pass Open to Tourists?

No — Jelep La Pass is currently closed to civilian tourists. The pass sits at 14,390 ft on the Indo-China border in East Sikkim, in an active military zone. Access is restricted to Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel only.

Unlike Nathula Pass (which reopened to Indian tourists) or Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh (accessible with special PAP), Jelep La has not been opened for civilian tourism. There is no tourist permit available for Jelep La as of 2025.

Beware of misinformation. Some travel blogs claim Jelep La is accessible with a special permit. This is incorrect. Attempting to reach Jelep La beyond the permitted Old Silk Route zone is illegal and dangerous.

History of Jelep La

Jelep La (Tibetan: "comfortable, easy pass") was the primary trade and diplomatic route between British India and Tibet in the 19th and early 20th centuries. British political officer Francis Younghusband used this route during the 1903 Younghusband Expedition to Lhasa. The pass remained an active trade route until the 1962 Sino-Indian War, after which it was closed.

What Can You Visit Instead?

The Old Silk Route circuit comes closest to the Jelep La area and is fully accessible with a PAP:

Old Silk Route (Zuluk + Nathang)Nathula Pass — Open Border PointZuluk Permit Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Permit Guides

Nathula Pass PermitZuluk PermitOld Silk Route PermitAll Sikkim Permits